T7 Quickstart Tutorial
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T7 Quickstart Tutorial

T7 Quickstart Overview

1. Install the appropriate LabJack driver and software bundle.

The installer covers UD devices (U3, U6, UE9) and LJM devices (T-series, Digit), so not all installed applications will work with the T7. The following applications work with the T7:

  • Kipling,
  • LJLogM, and
  • LJStreamM.

Only run 1 application at a time.

If there is an installation problem, see the Windows Installer Troubleshooting (App Note)

2. Connect the T7 to the computer or hub via USB.
The status LED should blink at power up and then stay solid on to indicate successful enumeration. If Windows asks about installing new hardware accept the defaults. If the device does not enumerate see item F on the USB Communication Failure App Note.
3. Run Kipling.
Kipling is a free application installed along with the driver. You should be able to find it in the Start Menu links.
4. Click "Refresh Devices" if the desired connection is not listed.
5. Click the connection (e.g. "USB").
6. Navigate to the Dashboard.

7. Connect a jumper wire securely from DAC0 to AIN0.

For a guaranteed valid connection, a conductor must be clamped securely in the screw-terminal, not just touching some part of the screw-terminal.

DAC stands for "Digital to Analog Converter", AIN stands for "Analog Input".

8. While still in the Dashboard, read the voltage level of AIN0.

Adjust the DAC0 analog output voltage, and you will see AIN0 follow DAC0 if the jumper wire is installed.

9. Connect one end of the jumper wire to GND, touching the other end inside the FIO3 terminal.
GND stands for Ground. Try connecting and disconnecting the FIO3 end of the jumper wire.
10. The Dashboard will read the current state of the digital input.
Digital inputs have an internal weak pull-up resistor that holds them high when nothing is connected. When the GND wire is connected to FIO3, the digital input will change from logic level High to logic level Low.

 

Moving forward from here...

Basic Functionality Examples:

Connecting via Ethernet or WiFi:

Software Options:

Communication:

On-board Lua Scripting:

Getting Support:

T7 Software Options

T-Series Software Options

T7 Architecture

In general, communicating with a T-Series device is quite straightforward.  First, look at the T-Series Datasheet or Modbus Map to find the data addresses you want to write or read.  Then use one of the software options below to write or read those data addresses.

LabJack software (always free):

  • Kipling:  A graphical utility for testing, configuration, and troubleshooting.  The Register Matrix tab can write and read almost any register.
  • Sample applications:
    • LJLogM is a simple Windows graphical application to read up to 16 registers by name at a specified interval (typically < 100 scans/second).  It displays the values on the screen, can apply scaling, and can log to file.
    • LJStreamM is similar to LJLogM but uses stream mode for typical scan rates of > 100 scans/second.
    • See the full list
  • LJM Library: The high-level cross-platform programming library for simplifying device communication.
    • LJM wrappers/examples are available for many languages including Python, LabVIEW, C, Matlab[1], C#[1] and Visual Basic .NET[1], and DAQFactory[1].
  • Programming through direct Modbus:  You can develop an application that talks directly to the LabJack device over Modbus TCP (Ethernet and WiFi only) using normal TCP sockets and optionally whatever special Modbus support might be available.
  • Lua Scripting:  Lua code can be loaded on the T-Series' processor itself and executed autonomously.  Typically this is done as a complement to software running on a host, but some advanced standalone applications use Lua scripts as the only software.

[1] Windows-only. See LJM library examples page for details.

Third-party software:

  • DAQFactory:  DAQFactory is measurement and automation software from AzeoTech.  The free Express version of DAQFactory works with T-Series Devices with limitations on the number of channels.  DAQFactory allows non-programmers to make custom applications.  It is easy to collect input data, convert to engineering units, display it, and log it to file, without any programming.  Scripting is also supported so you can do advanced applications with control and automatic setting of outputs.
  • Modbus Client Applications (aka SCADA Software):  Most programs that call themselves SCADA are capable of acting as a Modbus client that can directly write/read registers on a Modbus server such as the T7 (Ethernet and WiFi) and the T4 (Ethernet only).  PLCs are another common example of Modbus clients and can also write/read directly with a T-Series device.
  • 3rd Party Applications:  There are other 3rd party applications available for some LabJack devices.